Large waves are expected to hit local beaches Thursday and continue through the holiday weekend as a result of swells stemming from a hurricane churning south of California.

The swells generated by Hurricane Marie will have longer wave periods, with extended lulls followed by sets of larger waves, said Kathleen Lewis, meteorologist with the National Weather Service.

"With the larger waves, you can expect increased currents or stronger currents along the coast," Lewis said.

Hurricane Marie, once a Category 5 hurricane, is moving northwest in the Pacific Ocean. While it is hundreds of miles away from the state and has weakened, massive waves hitting the Southern California coast have caused flooding and dangerous surf.

With comparatively minimal effects this far north, it is still important for divers, surfers, fishermen and anyone swimming in the ocean to use extra caution, Lewis said.

The size of the waves is dependent on the direction the beach is facing, with waves breaking at 7 to 9 feet high on south and southwest facing beaches, Lewis said.

Beaches in the Point Arena area, Shelter Cove and Crescent City are expected to see the largest waves.

The irregular swell patterns began early Wednesday morning and are expected to peak Thursday, but extra caution should still be used throughout the weekend, Lewis said.

"We want to urge people to always keep their eyes on the ocean," she said. "Once waves start to get around this size, it becomes something we want to pay attention to."

It is important for the public to take extra precautions during any large weather systems that affect the sea, Coast Guard Lt. Brian Ward said.

The Coast Guard also reevaluates its own training and rescue procedures based on the weather patterns and size of the waves, he said.

"The coast line here is proven to be rather dangerous, especially when larger weather systems pass through," Ward said. "You have increased waves. You need to be a lot more aware of where you are."